
There are desserts that take hours of preparation, requiring multiple steps and endless bowls and utensils, and then there are desserts that deliver indulgent, bakery-worthy results with just a handful of ingredients. Cake Mix Toffee Bars fall firmly into the latter category. These bars are buttery, rich, and layered with gooey sweetness, chocolate, and crunchy toffee bits that make them utterly irresistible. The best part? You can make them in under 40 minutes using a boxed cake mix as the base.
This is one of those recipes that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to impress a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, attending a potluck, or just want something sweet after dinner, these bars check all the boxes. They’re quick, versatile, and dangerously addictive—once you have one, you’ll want another.
Imagine biting into a soft and buttery crust made from yellow cake mix, then hitting the layer of creamy condensed milk that adds sweetness and moisture. Add in a generous sprinkle of semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy toffee bits, and you have a dessert that feels like it came straight out of a bakery window display. These bars strike the perfect balance of gooey and crunchy, making them a treat that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
If you’re a fan of easy desserts with maximum payoff, this recipe is going to be your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love These Cake Mix Toffee Bars
- Easy and Quick: Only 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes in the oven.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just six pantry-friendly items create this layered masterpiece.
- Perfect Texture Combo: Soft crust, gooey middle, melty chocolate, and crunchy toffee.
- Crowd Pleaser: Ideal for parties, bake sales, or holiday cookie trays.
- Customizable: Switch up flavors with different cake mixes or candy add-ins.
This is the kind of dessert you’ll want to make in double batches because they disappear fast.

Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup toffee bits
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy slicing and removal later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
Step 3: Press the Base
Take about two-thirds of the mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
Step 4: Add Sweetness
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. Use a spatula to spread it out gently, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
Step 5: Add Chocolate and Toffee
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and toffee bits evenly over the condensed milk layer. This step is what gives these bars their signature gooey-crunchy contrast.
Step 6: Finish with Topping
Take the remaining cake mix mixture and crumble it over the top. Don’t worry about covering it completely—leaving some spots exposed allows the chocolate and toffee to peek through.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges and just set in the center. The middle may still look slightly gooey—that’s exactly what you want. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overbake: The center should stay slightly gooey. Overbaking will make the bars dry.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting: This ensures clean slices and helps the bars firm up.
- Line the Pan with Parchment: Makes removal and cleanup much easier.
- Use Good Quality Toffee Bits: Brands like Heath or homemade toffee bits work best.
- Try Mini Chips: Mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly and melt into every bite.
Variations
- Different Cake Mixes: Try chocolate cake mix, butter pecan, or even spice cake mix for fun flavor twists.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra crunch.
- White Chocolate Lovers: Swap semi-sweet chips for white chocolate chips.
- Holiday Version: Add festive sprinkles or swap toffee for crushed peppermint candies.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips along with the chocolate for a chocolate-peanut butter combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored until serving. The flavors even deepen overnight.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freezing: Slice into bars, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes! Chocolate, butter pecan, or even funfetti cake mix would all work wonderfully.
Do I have to use sweetened condensed milk?
It’s a key ingredient for the gooey texture, so it’s not recommended to skip it.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix blend.
Can I add more toppings?
Definitely—feel free to add coconut flakes, nuts, or extra chips for a loaded version.
Why do my bars look underbaked in the middle?
That’s the gooey magic of these bars! As they cool, they firm up slightly while keeping their soft texture.
How do I cut clean slices?
Cool the bars completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts.
Final Thoughts
Cake Mix Toffee Bars are proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to make something absolutely delicious. The buttery cake crust, the gooey condensed milk, the melty chocolate, and the crunchy toffee bits all come together in perfect harmony.
These bars are the ultimate dessert hack—easy enough for beginners, quick enough for busy schedules, and indulgent enough for any occasion. Once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again, whether it’s for a holiday gathering, an after-school treat, or a cozy weekend indulgence.
If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s simple but feels special, look no further. Cake Mix Toffee Bars truly have it all: flavor, texture, and ease. The next time you need a foolproof recipe that will have everyone reaching for seconds, give this one a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite.
Cake Mix Toffee Bars
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup toffee bits
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy slicing and removal later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed.
Step 3: Press the Base
- Take about two-thirds of the mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
Step 4: Add Sweetness
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust. Use a spatula to spread it out gently, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
Step 5: Add Chocolate and Toffee
- Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips and toffee bits evenly over the condensed milk layer. This step is what gives these bars their signature gooey-crunchy contrast.
Step 6: Finish with Topping
- Take the remaining cake mix mixture and crumble it over the top. Don’t worry about covering it completely—leaving some spots exposed allows the chocolate and toffee to peek through.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges and just set in the center. The middle may still look slightly gooey—that’s exactly what you want. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.

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